Whether you have not spent much time around cats, you've had a negative experience, or you just naturally prefer dogs, you can easily become a cat person by taking some proactive steps. By working to overcome any negative associations, spending some time bonding with cats, and addressing and preventing any allergies, you can begin to enjoy the company of cats.

Steps

Method1

Overcoming Negative Associations

1

Identify your problems with cats. If you have always disliked cats, chances are there is a reason. In order to overcome any negative associations you have with cats, take some time to identify the reason (or reasons) you have disliked them.[1] Some reasons might include:

Being scratched by a cat.

The way they smell (including their litter boxes).

Allergies to their dander.

2

Brainstorm solutions. Once you understand the source of your discomfort, you can overcome it. For each issue you have against cats, try to think of a practical solution.[2]

If a previous incident has left you afraid of cats, you can gradually overcome your fear by spending time with a cat.

If you dislike the smell, you can have a cat professionally groomed. You can also create a schedule to regularly clean the litter box (or consider adding more litter boxes).

If you have cat allergies, you can take medication, bathe the cat regularly, and/or wash your hands after touching them.

3

Replace bad experiences with good ones. Whether you've had a specific negative experience with cats (like an injury) or you have simply disliked them, the trick to becoming a cat person is to dilute (and eventually replace) your negative experiences with good ones.[3]

Spend time playing with a friendly cat.

Watch cute cat videos online.

Try spending time with different cats to find one that you connect with.

Method2

Bonding With Cats

1

Spend time with a cat. In order to become a cat person, you need to let a cat's personality grow on you. This can be accomplished by spending time with a cat (or cats). Talk to your friends and family to see who has cats you can hang out with, or volunteer at a local shelter.[4]

Try to find a cat whose personality matches your own.

Give hanging out with each cat a few tries before you decide if you like them or not.

Understand that it may take a while for a new cat to warm up to you.

2

Play. When you have the chance to hang out with a cat, try to a make that time enjoyable for you both. Cats--especially young ones--are playful creatures. You can grow to appreciate felines when you see their athleticism and cuteness in action. Plus, when you play with cats, they grow to like you as well.[5] You might try:

Dragging a ribbon across the floor.

Tossing jingly balls for cats to chase.

Dangling a feather or piece of yarn.

3

Brush their fur. Another great way to bond with a cat is to brush their fur. The action of brushing combines two important elements of bonding: physical contact and providing care. You can purchase a cat brush from any pet store. Cats can be brushed once or twice per day.[6]

Although most will, not all cats will enjoy being brushed.

If the cat winces, squirms, or runs away they may dislike being brushed.

4

Look for signs of affection. When a cat shows you signs of affection, it can influence your brain chemistry, and thus your relationship to them. Take notice of these signs.[7] To show affection, cats may:

Brush against you.

Purr in your company.

Roll on the ground in front of your feet.

Bring you "gifts," such as cat toys.

Rub their faces on you.

Method3

Preventing and Treating Cat Allergies

1

Take medication. If you are experiencing symptoms of a cat allergy, it is best to speak to your doctor. Most likely, your doctor will recommend the use of medication to reduce and/or prevent your symptoms. By getting your allergies under control, you are better able to become a cat person. Your doctor might recommend:

Anti-histamines.

Decongestants.

Steroids.

Injections.

2

Designate cat-free zones at home. If you are living with a cat at home, you can help control your allergies by designating cat-free zones. You need a place (or two) where you can relax and recuperate when your allergies are bothering you. It's also important for you to experience allergy relief in places where you work and sleep.[8] Consider making the following spaces in your home cat-free:

Your bedroom.

Your home office.

3

Groom the cat. Cat allergies are a reactive response to cat dander. You can reduce the amount of dander in your home (and thus reduce your allergic reactions) by having the cat groomed.[9]

You can ask a friend or family member to bathe the cat weekly, using a dander-reducing shampoo.

However, most cats strongly dislike being bathed. So another option is to have the cat groomed by a professional.